Vol. 447 No. 1
338 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education whether the question of incorporating a peace dimension into the curricula of primary and post-primary schools will be dealt with in the forthcoming White Paper on Education; and if she will make a statement on this in the context of the present peace process. [3119/94]
During the process of educational reform, my Department has received submissions from the Irish Commission for Justice and Peace and the Irish Peace Institute which address the issues of peace and Human Rights in the education system. This dimension of education will be considered in the context of the forthcoming White Paper on education. The overall objective will be to ensure that Human Rights and peace studies are treated in the curriculum on a global basis where relevant rather than as a separate subject.
The Deputy will be aware that in the social and environmental studies area, one of the aims of the present primary curriculum is to provide children with opportunities of planning and working together, thereby giving valuable training for peaceful co-operation in later life.
At second level, the junior syllabus for civics has as one of its aims the inculcation of an understanding and acceptance of the principles of tolerance and peaceful co-operation with others.
